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How to Change DNS on Windows 10 for Faster Internet Speed

By metsPosted on Posted in Sport Gear

How to Change DNS on Windows 10 for Faster Internet Speed

If you’re experiencing slow browsing speeds, frequent disconnects, or want to improve your overall internet performance, changing your DNS settings can help. DNS (Domain Name System) translates website names into IP addresses, and switching to a faster or more reliable DNS server can reduce loading times and enhance your online experience. Before starting, ensure you have administrator access to your Windows 10 device and a list of alternative DNS servers you’d like to try, such as Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS.

What You’ll Need

  • A Windows 10 PC with administrator rights
  • Internet connection
  • Preferred DNS server addresses (e.g., Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4; Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1)

Step-by-Step

  1. Open the Start menu by clicking the Windows icon or pressing the Windows key on your keyboard.
  2. Type “Network Status” in the search bar and select “View network status and tasks” from the results.
  3. In the Network and Sharing Center window, locate your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Click on it to open the connection status window.
  4. Click on the “Properties” button in the connection status window. If prompted, confirm your administrator credentials.
  5. In the list of items used by the connection, scroll down and select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”, then click on the “Properties” button.
  6. In the new window, select the option labeled “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
  7. Enter your preferred DNS server addresses in the fields provided. For example, for Google DNS, input 8.8.8.8 in the preferred DNS and 8.8.4.4 in the alternate DNS fields. For Cloudflare DNS, input 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 respectively.
  8. Click “OK” to save your settings, then close all remaining windows. Your DNS settings are now updated.
  9. To ensure the new settings take effect, restart your browser or restart your computer.
  10. Test your new DNS configuration by visiting a website or using online tools like DNS Leak Test to verify your DNS server is active.

Common Mistakes

  • Entering incorrect DNS addresses — double-check the IPs before saving.
  • Not selecting “Use the following DNS server addresses” — this can cause your settings not to update.
  • Changing DNS settings on the wrong network connection — ensure you modify the active connection.
  • Forgetting to click “OK” or “Apply” after entering new details — changes won’t save otherwise.
  • Not restarting the browser or device — old DNS cache may still be in use, preventing improvements.

Tips

  • Use reliable DNS servers like Google DNS, Cloudflare, or OpenDNS for better speed and security.
  • Clear your DNS cache after changing settings by opening Command Prompt and typing “ipconfig /flushdns”.
  • Consider setting DNS servers manually on your router for all devices in your network.
  • Test different DNS providers to find the one that offers the best speed and reliability for your location.
  • Use online DNS speed test tools to compare different DNS servers before making a switch.

Troubleshooting

If your internet speed doesn’t improve after changing DNS servers, try the following steps:

  • Verify that you’ve entered the correct DNS IP addresses without typos.
  • Restart your computer or network device to apply changes fully.
  • Clear your DNS cache by opening Command Prompt and typing “ipconfig /flushdns”.
  • Revert to your original DNS settings to check if the issue persists, ruling out other network problems.
  • Disable any VPNs or firewall settings that might interfere with DNS resolution.
  • Test your internet speed with different DNS servers to find the optimal one.
  • If issues continue, contact your ISP or network administrator for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does changing DNS affect my internet speed?

Yes, switching to a faster and more reliable DNS server can reduce website loading times and improve overall browsing speed.

2. Can I revert to my original DNS settings later?

Absolutely. Simply follow the same steps and select “Obtain DNS server address automatically” or re-enter your original DNS IPs.

3. Is it safe to use public DNS servers?

Most reputable public DNS providers like Google or Cloudflare are safe and secure, offering better performance and privacy than default ISP DNS servers.

4. Will changing DNS improve streaming or gaming?

Potentially, especially if your current DNS provider is slow or unreliable. Faster DNS can reduce latency and buffering issues.

5. Can I change DNS on my router instead of Windows 10?

Yes, changing DNS on your router applies to all connected devices and can be more convenient for a consistent experience.

6. How often should I test different DNS servers?

Periodically testing can help you maintain optimal performance, especially if you notice slow browsing or connection issues.

By following this guide, you can customize your DNS settings to potentially enjoy faster, more reliable internet browsing. Remember to keep track of your changes and test different servers to find what works best for your location and needs.

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How to Change DNS on Windows 10 for Faster Internet Speed
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